Risk factors analysis of surgical site infections in postoperative colorectal cancer: a nine-year retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) patients undergoing surgery are at a high risk of developing surgical site infections (SSIs), which contribute to increased morbidity, prolonged hospitalization, and escalated healthcare costs. Understanding the incidence, risk factors, and impact of SSIs is crucial for effective preventive strategies and improved patient outcomes. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed data from 431 CRC patients who underwent surgery at Huangshan Shoukang Hospital between 2014 and 2022. The clinical characteristics and demographic information were collected. The incidence and impact of SSIs were evaluated, and independent risk factors associated with SSIs were identified using multivariable logistic regresison. A nomogram plot was constructed to predict the likelihood of SSIs occurrence. RESULTS: The overall incidence rate of SSIs was 7.65% (33/431). Patients with SSIs had significantly longer hospital stays and higher healthcare costs. Risk factors for SSIs included elevated Body Mass Index (BMI) levels (odds ratio, 1.12; 95% CI, 1.02-1.23; P = 0.017), the presence of diabetes (odds ratio, 3.88; 95% CI, 1.42 - 9.48; P = 0.01), as well as specific surgical factors such as open surgical procedures (odds ratio, 2.39; 95% CI [1.09; 5.02]; P = 0.031), longer surgical duration (odds ratio, 1.36; 95% CI [1.01; 1.84]; P = 0.046), and the presence of a colostomy/ileostomy (odds ratio, 3.17; 95% CI [1.53; 6.62]; P = 0.002). Utilizing multivariable regression analysis, which encompassed factors such as open surgical procedures, the presence of diabetes and colostomy/ileostom, the nomogram plot functions as a visual aid in estimating the individual risk of SSIs for patients. CONCLUSIONS: Risk factors for SSIs included higher BMI levels, the presence of diabetes, open surgical procedures, longer surgical duration, and the presence of colostomy/ileostomy. The nomogram plot serves as a valuable tool for risk assessment and clinical decision-making.

[Clinical outcomes of radiofrequency ablation combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-center experience].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with radiofrequency ablation alone for the treatment of 3 - 5 cm hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: From January 2006 to March 2010, sixty-two HCC patients were randomly treated with RFA combined with TACE (n = 32) or RFA alone (n = 30). This group included the patients who had Child-Pugh class A or B with three or fewer tumors, in which just one tumor size was 3 - 5 cm in diameter, and no evidence of extrahepatic tumor metastasis or macrovascular invasion. The follow up ranged from 9 to 39 months. Survival probabilities were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method, and differences between survival curves were evaluated with the Log rank test. RESULTS: At the end of the study, the 1-, 2- and 3-year overall survival rates in the combined treatment group were 90.6%, 72%, and 53.1%, respectively, and in the radiofrequency ablation alone group were 83.3%, 56.75%, and 23.3%, respectively. The differences between the survival curves of the two groups were not statistically significant (P = 0.176). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year progress-free survival rates in the combined treatment group were 75.0%, 50.0%, and 34.3%, respectively, and in the radiofrequency ablation alone group were 63.3%, 33.3%, and 16.7%, respectively. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P = 0.027). The 1-, 2-, and 3-year local tumor progression rates in the combined treatment group were 12.5%, 18.75%, and 18.75% vs. 16.7%, 30%, and 36.6% in the radiofrequency ablation alone group, with a significant difference between the two groups (P = 0.047). CONCLUSION: Radiofrequency ablation plus TACE is better than radiofrequency ablation alone for the treatment of 3 - 5 cm hepatocellular carcinoma.

[Characteristics of tetrahydrofuran degradation by Pseudomonas oleovorans DT4].

A tetrahydrofuran (THF)-degrading strain Pseudomonas oleovorans DT4 was isolated from the activated sludge of a pharmaceutical plant. P. oleovorans DT4 was able to utilize THF as the sole carbon and energy source under aerobic condition. 5 mmol/L of THF could be completely degraded by 3.2 mg/L inoculums of P. oleovorans DT4 in 14 h at pH 7.2 and 30 degrees C, with the cells concentration increasing to 188.6 mg/L. After the complete consumption of THF, no TOC could be detected but IC reached the stable value of about 46 mg/L, with pH decreasing to 6.54, which indicated that the substance was totally mineralized by P. oleovorans DT4. The optimum conditions for THF biodegradation in shaking flasks were pH 7.5 and temperature 37 degrees C, respectively. Results from the oxygen control experiments revealed that the oxygen supply by shaking was the satisfactory growth condition. Additionally, as the important elements for DT4, Mg2+ and Ca2+ at concentrations of 0.80 mmol/L and 0.20 mmol/L, respectively, were suitable for THF degradation. All the results contribute to the efficient bioremediation for the THF contaminated.